Although growing limes and other types of citrus is a task best suited to those who live in the so-called “sunshine states,” it’s possible to grow them in other areas. Over the course of history, people have successfully grown citrus in greenhouses, or “orangeries.”

Why grow limes? Lime adds a zing to recipes and cocktails, making a home lime tree an especially tasty possibility. While information is available to help you grow limes at home, you won’t find a book titled, Growing Limes for Dummies at your local bookstores just yet. Instead, you’ll need to rely on a quality nursery and your green thumb.

Lime BasicsBefore you start growing limes, you should know a little about the different common varieties.

In the United States, the most common limes are the Persian/Tahitian lime and the Key lime. The limes that you buy in the grocery store are generally Persian/Tahitian limes.

Wondering how Persia and Tahiti came into play? The theory is that this type of lime, which looks like a green lemon, was introduced to the Mediterranean area by way of Persia before traders continued their trades along routes reaching Brazil, Australia and Tahiti. The Persian/Tahitian lime eventually was introduced in Florida, where it quickly became a commercial crop.

Key limes are well known in the Caribbean and Florida – but they have their roots in the southern Asia Indo-Malayan region. Key limes are also known as Mexican limes or “bartender’s limes.”

These two lime types share a tangy, citrusy flavor and a lime green skin. However, they are also quite different. Persian/Tahitian limes have thicker skins (making them easier to store and transport); they are less tart; and they are much easier to cultivate than sensitive Key limes.

Growing LimesIf you want to grow a lime tree, Key limes and Persian/Tahitians are good candidates – depending on where you live. Lime trees produce fragrant blossoms that later yield the tangy green fruits.

Growing Key Limes

Key limes are far more sensitive to cold, making growing this variety limited to tropical and subtropical locations. However, if you live in such a climate and have a location that is sheltered from cold winds and receives plenty of sunshine, then growing limes is a pleasure. Key limes can grow in a variety of soil types with a preference for deep, sandy soils.

You can plant Key limes from seed or from a potted plant. Either way, allow at least 12 feet of growing room in all directions per tree. Once a potted lime tree is planted, plan on watering three times a week for 3 weeks before reducing watering to once a week or less. Too much water is bad for growing limes of this type. Too much water damages the roots.

Key lime trees do not require extensive pruning. Simply remove random sprouts on the trunk and prune to shape it slightly.

Growing Persian/Tahitian Limes

The Persian/Tahitian lime tree is heartier than the sensitive Key lime tree, making it an easier choice for those living in cooler climates. This isn’t to say that you can grow limes in Alaska. Most lime trees of this type remain in the southern states.

Growing lime trees like the Persian/Tahitian from seeds isn’t common. Most are grafted onto rough lemon or other citrus trees. These trees are more compact than Key lime trees, allowing for closer plantings with spacing in the 10- to 15-foot range in rows 20 feet apart.

Growing Dwarf VarietiesUnless you’re a gentleman rancher, you probably don’t have the space for a small orchard of lime trees. With spacing requirements of 10 to 15 feet, it doesn’t take long before you realize that your lime trees are going to grow to enormous heights and widths. In addition, it takes years before lime trees bear fruit.

Dwarf varieties are the answer. Dwarf citrus trees are small enough for containers, making it possible to grow limes in cooler climates. For example, if you’ll be growing limes in Oregon rather than Florida, a full-sized tree isn’t an option because of the cold winters. However, if you have a dwarf lime tree in a container, you can set the lime tree outdoors in full sun during the summer months and move it indoors, into a sunroom or other sunny location, during the winter months.

If you’ll be growing limes in containers, you’ll need a clay pot as well as a good-quality potting mix, preferably one formulated for citrus or dwarf trees. Your lime tree will need regular watering and fertilizing, so look for a slow-release fertilizer as well.

Before you order lime seeds from an Internet seed company, head to your local nursery and speak to an expert about growing limes in your area. If your nursery doesn’t have someone who can help you, contact a local “master gardener” for advice. Master gardeners are avid gardeners recognized by the American Horticultural Society who serve the public and local universities. You can find master gardeners through your local university or through the American Horticultural Society website. Local experts can help you pinpoint the right type of dwarf lime tree based on climate, taste and your home’s environment.

Once you’ve selected and planted your lime trees, don’t expect homemade margaritas for quite some time. Your dwarf tree may have a lime or two on it when you buy it, but it may take a season or two before you get a bumper crop.

Lime-Growing ChallengesScale insects are typical lime tree pests. These bugs look like black mold on the leaves or bumps on the twigs. Use a spray bottle with Volk oil or superior oil and apply thoroughly, preferably in cool months such as February. Spider mites tend to arrive in the summer, causing yellow, dropping leaves. You can wash spider mites off the tree with water or insecticidal soap. Because eggs are not necessarily washed away or killed, you will need to repeat this treatment several times to stop the reproduction cycle.

If frost is an issue in your area, bring your citrus trees indoors long before the first frost and set them back outdoors once the likelihood of frost has passed. When in doubt, bring your lime trees indoors at night. If your lime trees have frost damage, prune out the damage in late spring.

Growing limes is a challenging – and rewarding – gardening endeavor. Lime trees are best suited for the tropics, but, with the right type of tree and environment, you may be able to have fresh limes in areas far removed from the sunbelt. Look for hardy, dwarf varieties and discuss your concerns with a local “master gardener.” You’ll get expert advice from an avid gardener who shares your passion. Once you have the perfect lime tree, you’ll need a sunny indoor location during the winter months and a willingness to give your tree regular attention, patience and care.

Are You Green Thumb Material?

Did you help your parents take care of a garden when you were a child? Do you like the aromas that a garden cared for by someone with a green thumb provides? Do you stop to talk with the other green thumbs and look at the gardening section of the home improvement store? Are you more likely to bring every plant to glorious bloom or are you more likely to kill everything in sight? Take this quiz to see if you are ready for a nursery of your own.